Moist Well Drained
- Prunus cerasifera ‘Thundercloud’ – Purple-Leaf Flowering Plum adds bold colour and seasonal charm to your garden with the Prunus cerasifera ‘Thundercloud’, a compact ornamental deciduous tree known for its purple-black foliage and delicate pink spring blossoms. Originally from California, this purple-leaf plum tree features an upright, rounded form, making it an ideal statement tree for smaller gardens. In early spring, its bare stems burst into bloom with single pink flowers, just before the rich foliage emerges—creating a stunning contrast. Throughout summer and into autumn, the vibrant leaves maintain their deep hue, offering year-round interest. Because it prefers moist, well-drained soil in a sunny, sheltered position, it’s a low-maintenance choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Typically growing to approximately 6 x 4 metres, ‘Thundercloud’ is perfect for those seeking a compact ornamental tree that delivers seasonal colour, structure, and visual impact.
- Prunus lusitanica - Portuguese Laurel, is a versatile evergreen shrub or small tree with dark, glossy green oval leaves. Native to Western Europe, including regions of France, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, it brings both structure and elegance to garden landscapes. In late spring to summer, it produces white flowers with a subtle hawthorn-like scent, arranged in long, slender racemes. These are soon followed by small fruits, adding further seasonal interest. Moreover, this plant thrives in moist, well-drained soils, though it will not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Therefore, it’s best planted in a sunny, sheltered position to ensure healthy growth. Thanks to its dense foliage and upright habit, Portuguese Laurel is excellent for trimming into formal hedges or shaping into a clipped screen. Additionally, it can be trained as a pleached hedge or sculpted into topiary forms, offering flexibility for both traditional and contemporary garden designs. Typically growing to approximately 5 x 4 metres, it makes a bold yet refined statement in any outdoor space. The name lusitanica refers to Lusitania, the ancient Roman name for Portugal, highlighting its rich heritage.
- Prunus serrulata 'Shirotae' – Mt Fuji is a Japanese cherry tree that forms a smaller, wide-spreading deciduous canopy. With its tiered horizontal branches, it creates a beautiful silhouette that enhances any landscape. As the seasons change, its vibrant green foliage transforms into a brilliant display of oranges and yellows in autumn. Then, in early spring, the tree becomes a breathtaking spectacle as large, profuse white semi-double flowers blanket the branches, evoking the beauty of freshly fallen snow. Interestingly, the name Shirotae translates from Japanese as “white cloth” or simply “white,” perfectly reflecting the tree’s delicate springtime bloom. For best results, plant in moist, well-drained soil in a sunny position. With a mature size of approximately 6 x 5 metres, it makes a beautiful shade tree and an ideal choice for gardens, courtyards, or feature planting. Whether you're seeking seasonal interest or timeless elegance, 'Shirotae' offers both in abundance.
- Prunus serrulata ‘Amanogawa’ – Upright Flowering Cherry is a narrow growing deciduous tree with a pillar-like form. Its upright habit makes it ideal for compact spaces or formal planting schemes. In spring, the tree is adorned with large, semi-double pink flowers that carry a light almond fragrance. These blooms stand upright along the branches, creating a vertical display of colour. As the seasons shift, green leaves turn vibrant shades of yellow and orange in autumn. This adds multi-seasonal interest to gardens and courtyards alike. Best grown in full sun with moist, well-drained soil, it also benefits from a sheltered position. Its slow, manageable growth makes it easy to maintain. Originating from Japan, ‘Amanogawa’ translates to “Milky Way” or poetically, “heavenly river.” At maturity, it typically reaches around 6 x 2 metres, making it a graceful yet space-saving choice.
- Prunus serrulata ‘Pink Perfection’ is a graceful, deciduous Japanese flowering cherry tree with an elegant upright, vase-like form. Originally selected in the United Kingdom, this ornamental tree offers year-round appeal. Throughout the seasons, its lush green foliage transforms into a breathtaking autumn display of golden yellow, fiery orange, and rich crimson red. Then, as spring arrives, deep pink buds burst into double blossoms of rosy pink which gradually fade to a delicate soft pink, creating a stunning floral show. Ideally, it thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers a sunny position. Because of its compact size, growing to approximately 5 x 4 metres, it’s a superb choice for lining avenues, framing pathways, or adding charm to more intimate garden spaces. Whether you're designing a formal landscape or a tranquil retreat, ‘Pink Perfection’ brings elegance, seasonal interest, and timeless beauty to any outdoor setting.
- Prunus serrulata ‘Shimidsu Sakura’ – Moonlight Cherry, is a stunning Japanese flowering cherry tree. This small deciduous tree features a spreading habit with graceful, arching branches Over summer, the foliage is a vibrant green, gradually shifting to yellow and orange hues in autumn, adding seasonal colour and interest. In late spring, buds emerge in soft pink tones, opening into double flowers that begin as pale pink and fade to pure snow white—a breath taking display that enhances any garden. Shimidsu sakura thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers a sheltered, sunny position. Because of its elegant form and manageable size, it serves beautifully as a feature specimen in smaller landscapes. Typically growing to approximately 4 x 4 metres, Moonlight Cherry is both ornamental and easy to maintain. The name Shimidsu-sakura refers to the specific cultivar, where sakura means cherry blossom in Japanese, and Shimidsu is the cultivar name itself.
- Prunus subhirtella 'Falling Snow', commonly known as a White Weeping Cherry, is a smaller-growing ornamental tree typically grafted onto a clear standard. Its elegant, pendulous branches create a soft, cascading effect that adds charm to any landscape. Throughout summer, the tree is adorned with lush green foliage, which gradually transforms into warm shades of orange and yellow in autumn. As spring arrives, the bare branches become covered in a delicate display of blush-pink to snowy-white single blooms—offering a breath taking seasonal highlight. Because of its compact size, ‘Falling Snow’ is an ideal feature tree for smaller gardens, courtyards, or decorative planting schemes. It thrives best in moist, well-drained soil and prefers a sunny, sheltered position to protect its fine foliage and blossoms. Whether planted as a focal point or to soften a garden corner, this weeping cherry brings elegance and seasonal beauty to any outdoor space.
- Prunus subhirtella ‘Pendula Rosea’ is a deciduous weeping cherry that brings elegance and seasonal beauty to any landscape. Typically grafted onto a clear stem, its slender, arching branches cascade downward, gradually forming a stunning fountain-like silhouette. During summer, the tree is cloaked in lush green foliage, which transitions into warm shades of yellow and orange as autumn arrives. By mid-spring, deep pink buds burst open into delicate single pink flowers, creating a soft display against the bare branches. Thriving in moist, well-drained soil, this cherry prefers a sunny, sheltered position to protect its fine blossoms and foliage. Because of its compact size and graceful form, ‘Pendula Rosea’ makes an excellent feature tree for smaller gardens, courtyards, or decorative planting schemes. Whether you're designing a tranquil retreat or adding seasonal interest to a limited space, this weeping cherry offers charm, colour, and structure all year round.
- A striking and relatively new cultivar, the deciduous tree Prunus yedoensis 'Te Mara' was developed in New Plymouth, New Zealand, with ancestral roots in Japan. This cherry tree has a vigorous, upright growth habit, forming a strong central leader. Rich green leaves provide a lush canopy through the summer, turning brilliant golden-orange in autumn for a dazzling seasonal display. In early spring the tree bursts into masses of delicate, shell-pink single blossoms. These nectar-rich flowers are a magnet for tūī and other nectar-loving birds, making it a beautiful and biodiverse addition to any garden. Prefers moist, well-drained soil and thrives as a Specimen tree, Shade provider, Avenue planting and as stated, a Bird-friendly feature. Moderate to fast-growing, reaching approximately 7 metres tall by 6 metres wide. Noteworthy Alternative: An excellent substitute for Prunus Felix Jury or Prunus Campanulata superba, offering similar charm with its own unique flair.
- Prunus yedoensis 'Awanui', the Awanui Cherry is a beloved New Zealand-bred flowering cherry, tracing its heritage back to Japan. Renowned for its elegant vase-shaped form and vigorous growth, this ornamental tree features gracefully spreading branches adorned with lush green foliage. In early spring, the tree bursts into a breath taking display of large, single shell-pink blossoms that blanket the branches in soft, pastel clouds. As the seasons shift, its leaves transform into a vibrant tapestry of golden yellow and warm orange hues. Prefers moist well drained soil in full sun. Plant in full sun for maximum health. Perfect as a specimen tree, for light shade, or as a standout feature in smaller gardens, the Awanui Cherry typically reaches around 6 metres tall and wide, making it both manageable and magnificent!
- 6 x 6m
- Oranges and Yellows
- Prunus yedoensis ‘Mountain Haze’ is a compact, deciduous, round-shaped flowering cherry tree with gently arching branches. Although developed in New Zealand, this elegant cultivar traces its origins back to Japan—reflected in its botanical name yedoensis, meaning “of Yedo,” the former name for Tokyo. As the seasons shift, its green summer foliage transforms into a vibrant mix of orange, red, and yellow in autumn. In early spring, the tree bursts into bloom with delicate pink flowers featuring deeper centres, creating a soft haze of colour across its bare branches. Because of its modest size—reaching approximately 6 x 5 metres, ‘Mountain Haze’ is an ideal specimen tree for smaller gardens or courtyards. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers a sheltered position to protect its blossoms and foliage from harsh conditions.
- Pseudopanax ‘Cyril Watson’ is an evergreen shrub native to New Zealand. This unusual cultivar stands out with glossy tropical leaves shaped like a duck’s foot, adding a distinct touch to any garden. Moreover, its compact, bushy habit makes it highly popular. Gardeners often use it as a neatly trimmed hedge or clip it into a larger screen, creating structure and style with ease. In addition, Pseudopanax ‘Cyril Watson’ prefers fertile, moist, and well-drained soil. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, while tolerating coastal conditions and moderate frost once established. It was first discovered by Cyril Watson in 1965 on the slopes of Mt. Taranaki in the North Island of New Zealand. The plant was named in honour of Watson, who was a renowned botanist and naturalist. Growing to approximately 3 x 2 metres, it offers both resilience and beauty
- Pseudopanax ‘Sabre’ is a striking evergreen tree native to New Zealand. It grows at a reasonably fast pace and showcases long, leathery, lance-shaped leaves in deep green, with a yellow orange mid rib —hence the name ‘Sabre’. Although similar to P. crassifolium, this variety grows faster and features wider, thicker foliage. As a result, it offers a bolder presence in the garden while remaining easy to manage. It thrives in most soil types and adapts well to both full sun and semi-shade. Moreover, its resilience makes it an excellent choice for coastal gardens and exposed sites. Over time, ‘Sabre’ matures into a more open habit. However, you can easily trim it to maintain shape and height, making it ideal for smaller gardens. It typically reaches around 4 x 3 metres at maturity.
- Pseudopanax ferox – Savage Lancewood (Horoeka) is an unusual New Zealand native, closely resembling Pseudopanax crassifolium. In its juvenile stage, it grows with a single thin stem and long, slender pale grey-brown leaves. These leaves feature distinctive saw-like teeth along the edges, giving the plant a striking appearance. After 10–15 years, the tree reaches maturity. At this stage, the leaves become shorter, wider, and dark green. Its form changes into a more typical tree shape, with spreading branches that build a rounded crown. In ideal conditions, Savage Lancewood can reach around 6 metres in height with a trunk up to 25 cm in diameter. The mature trunk develops distinctive vertical grooves, sometimes twisting slightly, adding further character. This species prefers well-drained soil and tolerates drier conditions once established. It grows best in full sun, slowly reaching approximately 6 x 1 metres over many years. Perfect as a statement specimen, it adds drama and uniqueness to any garden.
- Pseudopanax laetus – Large Leaf Five Finger. Native to New Zealand, Pseudopanax laetus is a striking evergreen shrub. It features a rounded, spreading form with deep green, glossy leaves made up of 5–7 broad oval leaflets. Notably, its foliage is the largest among the pseudopanax family. As it matures, this plant quickly becomes a bushy, multi-branched specimen. In spring, clusters of tiny white flowers appear, later developing into purple seeds that attract native birds. Although tolerant of most soil types, it thrives best with consistent moisture. Thanks to its fast growth, it’s ideal as a background or screening plant and can also be trimmed to a desired height. Alternatively, let it grow into a small shade tree. Expect it to reach approximately 5 metres high and 3 metres wide, making it a bold addition to any garden.
- Pseudopanax lessonii – Houpara is an evergreen New Zealand native that grows as a multi-branched shrub or small tree. Fast-growing, it features fleshy, palmate-shaped dark green leaves with three to five leaflets, creating a lush and tropical look. From December to February, small green flowers appear, followed by dark purple fleshy fruit. These fruits attract birds, adding life and movement to the garden throughout the year. Houpara can be left to grow as a small shade tree. Alternatively, it trims well into a hedge or can be clipped to form a larger screen, offering versatility in garden design. This hardy species is ideal for coastal gardens as it withstands salt-laden winds. It prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade and tolerates clay soils, though not waterlogged conditions. Growing to approximately 4 x 2.5 metres, Houpara makes an excellent choice for structured planting and year-round greenery.
- Pseudopanax lessonii ‘Purpurea’ is a fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree native to New Zealand. Multi-branched and compact, it features fleshy, palmate leaves in striking dark purple-red tones with three to five leaflets. From December to February, small green flowers appear, followed by dark purple fleshy fruit. These fruits attract birds, adding seasonal interest and wildlife appeal to the garden. This variety prefers moist, well-drained soil but will not tolerate waterlogging. For the best colour, plant in full sun where its foliage shines most vividly. ‘Purpurea’ can be left to grow as a small shade tree. Alternatively, it trims well into a compact hedge or can be clipped to form a larger bushy screen, offering flexibility in garden design. Ideal for coastal gardens, it withstands salt-laden winds and thrives in exposed conditions. Growing to approximately 4 x 2.5 metres, it provides structure, colour, and resilience year-round.
- Pyracantha ‘Brilliant’ – Scarlet Firethorn is a compact evergreen shrub known for its glossy green foliage and occasional thorns. In spring, it bursts into masses of small, delicate white flowers, adding seasonal charm to any garden. As autumn arrives, vibrant orange-red berries cover the plant, lasting through winter. These berries not only add colour but also attract birds, enhancing garden biodiversity. This hardy shrub thrives in full sun to semi-shade and prefers well-drained, moist soils. It tolerates frost, wind, and suits both sheltered and coastal locations. Often chosen for hedging and screening, Pyracantha ‘Brilliant’ also makes an excellent security hedge. It grows to approximately 2.5 x 2.5 metres and is easily clipped to shape.
- Pyrus calleryana ‘Aristocrat’, also known as the Callery Pear, is a deciduous tree with a pyramidal shape and origins in China. Its dense, upright branching supports glossy dark green foliage throughout summer, which transforms into vibrant shades of red, orange, and maroon in autumn. In early spring, the tree produces a stunning display of white blossoms, adding ornamental value to any landscape. This adaptable tree can be trained into standards and is well-suited for small gardens, street plantings, or mass landscaping projects. It tolerates poor drainage but performs best in moist, well-drained soils. Growing to approximately 7 metres tall and 4 metres wide, Aristocrat is an excellent choice as a shade tree or for formal avenue planting, offering year-round interest and structure.
- Pyrus calleryana ‘Kea’, or the Callery Pear, is a deciduous, multi‑branched tree with a dense, bushy growth habit. It begins with a pyramidal form but gradually develops a broad, vase‑shaped crown. Its glossy green leaves turn vivid red and burgundy in autumn, while early spring brings a profusion of white flowers that cover the tree.‘Kea’ is a New Zealand‑bred variety developed in Christchurch, which gives it improved tolerance to heavy frost and cold. This adaptable tree trains easily into standards and suits small gardens, street plantings, and mass landscaping projects. Although it prefers well‑drained soil, it also adapts well to heavy, compacted, or intermittently wet conditions and performs best in full sun. Growing to around 6 metres tall and 4 metres wide, ‘Kea’ is an excellent choice for small shade areas or formal avenue planting. It provides year‑round structure and visual interest, making it a reliable feature tree for many landscape styles. Makes an excellent street or avenue tree. Vigorous and hardy.
